Foot ulcers, the presence of open sores on the feet, can occur due to poor circulation on the lower legs or due to diabetes---a chronic disease characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. Ulcers can cause pain, swelling of the surrounding tissues and can become infected. Treating foot ulcers often requires a combination of treatments that concentrate on relieving pain, destroying the infection, protecting the surrounding skin and preventing new ulcers, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Antibiotic Medications
Because a foot ulcer leaves tissue vulnerable to invasion by bacteria, infections are common. Infected foot ulcers produce a green or yellow discharge and can increase the pain of the ulcer. If left untreated, an infected foot ulcer can result in the loss of the entire limb. To treat the infection, doctors prescribe antibiotic medications. Although the antibiotics will not heal the wound, curing the infection helps to facilitate wound healing.
Antiplatelet Medications
Some foot ulcers occur due to decreased blood flow in the lower legs. This can occur because of the formation of a blood clot. Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin, prevent the formation of blood clots, therefore allowing blood to flow and helping to prevent the formation of additional foot ulcers.
Debridement
Debridement describes a procedure in which doctors remove infected tissue in the wound. Mechanical debridement uses techniques such as hydrotherapy---the use of water to remove dead tissue. Surgical debridement uses surgical instruments to cut infected and dead tissue out of the wound, as described by the Wound Care Information Network. Removing large portions of infected tissue facilitates wound healing.
Compression Treatments
Compression treatments use pressure to help minimize swelling and the accumulation of fluid. Doctors can use several types of compression aides, depending on the location of the ulcer, size of the ulcer and amount of drainage the ulcer produces. Compression can be accomplished by wearing compression stocking, applying multilayered compression wraps or wrapping a bandage tightly around the foot, as described by the Cleveland Clinic. The bandages may be moist, containing antimicrobials or synthetic skin substitutes to help the wounds heal.
Topical Care
Taking care of the skin surrounding the ulcer can help to protect against the formation of additional ulcers. Keeping the skin and the wound clean, which includes regularly changing any dressings is important. Applying a lanolin-based cream to the legs and feet can also help prevent the formation of more ulcers.
